Lisa and Deb say they no longer need a marriage certificate to feel like equal citizens.

"Marriage is great and if someone wants to be married it would be great for them to have that choice," Deb said.

"But for us, just to be legally recognised in a relationship is the most important thing."

"Marriage is just a word. It's what comes along with it that matters. Those were the things we felt were missing," added Lisa.

Another couple, Peita and Debbie, who first met in high school and began their relationship three years ago, echo that sentiment.

"To actually be able to have legal rights is very important. It sounds silly but if Peita was critically ill in hospital, to be able to have a say in her care, having that right, is very important," Debbie said.

"To me a civil partnership is more important because it's the legal rights we're wanting," said Peita.